Pakistan will be desperate to get their campaign back on track as they take on New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series on Tuesday (March 18) at the University Oval, Dunedin. After a dismal performance in the series opener, Pakistan needs a major turnaround under new captain Salman Agha.
In the first T20I, Pakistan registered their lowest T20I total in New Zealand, getting bowled out for just 91 runs. Their openers failed to open their accounts, and the middle order collapsed under pressure. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy wreaked havoc, picking up 3 and 4 wickets, respectively. In response, New Zealand chased the target down with ease inside 11 overs, losing just one wicket.
As Pakistan eyes redemption, let’s take a look at the probable Playing 11 for the crucial second game.
Pakistan Playing 11 vs New Zealand – 2nd T20I:
Openers: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz
Despite failing to get off the mark in the first game, Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz are expected to retain their places at the top. Pakistan will hope they provide a solid start this time around.
Middle-order Batsmen and Allrounders: Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan
Captain Salman Agha will be eager to lead from the front and steady the ship after the opening disaster. Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, and Abdul Samad also failed to make an impact with the bat in the first game, managing single-digit scores. Shadab, Pakistan’s star all-rounder, couldn’t shine with the ball either, conceding 18 runs in his 2 overs.
Khushdil Shah was the lone bright spot in the batting lineup, top-scoring with 32 runs. He will aim for a bigger knock to help anchor the innings. Jahandad Khan contributed 17 runs but went wicketless.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed
Shaheen Afridi will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Mohammad Ali, who had a forgettable debut, giving away 25 runs in 3 overs. Pakistan might consider bringing in Haris Rauf or Abbas Afridi to strengthen their bowling lineup.
Abrar Ahmed remains Pakistan’s key spinner, taking the only wicket in the previous match. His role will be crucial in containing New Zealand’s aggressive batting.
Can Pakistan Turn Things Around?
Pakistan has a lot to prove after the humiliating defeat. Their batters need to step up, and the bowlers must find ways to take early wickets. Captain Salman Agha’s leadership will be under the spotlight as Pakistan looks to even the series. Pakistan needs a major turnaround under new captain Salman Agha. In the first T20I, they have a lot to prove after the humiliating defeat. Their batters need to step up, and the bowlers must find ways to take early wickets. Captain Salman Agha’s leadership will be under the spotlight as Pakistan looks to even the series.
